Could an arthritis drug shrink dangerous brain aneurysms?

NCT ID NCT02638701

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether infliximab (Remicade), a drug used for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, can shrink a specific type of brain aneurysm called a dolichoectactic vertebrobasilar (DVB) aneurysm. These aneurysms are difficult to treat with surgery or stents, and they carry a risk of stroke or bleeding. The trial involves giving infliximab intravenously to a small group of adults whose aneurysms cannot be treated with standard procedures, and measuring changes in aneurysm size and blood flow over 12 months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: infliximab (Remicade)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-surgical treatment option for people with difficult-to-treat brain aneurysms, potentially reducing the risk of stroke or bleeding.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase trial (8 people) testing a drug not originally designed for aneurysms. It may not shrink the aneurysm or prevent complications, and infliximab can have side effects like increased infection risk.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANEURYSM are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Aneurysm stroke disorder vasculitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANEURYSM STROKE TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA VASCULITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

UCSF Medical Center
RECRUITING

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.